The Panthers' Stephen Weiss is a center, and the Red Wings are looking for a second-line middle man.

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These are heady times in hockey, when America's birthday coincides with a chance to engage in free market economics and a gamble at improving a team for an event nine months away.

The Red Wings are shoppers, but they may be more of the look-and-leave behind kind, because this summer's goods aren't overly enticing, not at the prices being demanded anyway. The only real pressing need is for offensive help, and Stephen Weiss, a 20-goal scorer out of Florida, remains a target.

Teams were able to start to talking to all free agents on Wednesday, and can agree to terms at any time, but nothing can be made ...